International Observe the Moon Night

We’re always looking for a reason to celebrate STEM in Chicago. We want to give you the heads-up so that you can go turn your head up and view the moon on October 20, 2018, during International Observe the Moon Night.

late spring through early fall, Full Moon Jams near Foster Beach, nearby many Asian restaurants and bakeries where you can also pick up mooncakes. These events don’t involve scientific study, but rather fire-spinners and drum circles. And yes, they are family-friendly. Put this on your Chicago Bucket List.

If you want to plan your own moon-viewing party, NASA has a great kit, chock full of fun and informative resources. And as long as you’re enjoying the night sky, click here to learn about what planets you might be able to observe from Chicago.

Learning the phases of the moon as it waxes (the illuminated surface builds) and wanes (decreases) is pretty sweet when you use Oreos or sandwich cookies to lay it all out.

Learn the Phases of the Moon with Oreo Cookies

All you need is a bunch of Oreos (because, mistakes and accidents, right?) and a spreading knife or butter knife. Keep a paper towel nearby to dispose of the filling once it’s removed. Oh, and keep a glass of milk handy, just in case.

New moon. This is the cookie without any cream. The moon is not visible from Earth during this first phase (unless there’s a solar eclipse).

Waxing crescent moon.

Waxing quarter moon

Waxing gibbous moon.

Full moon.

Waning gibbous moon

Waning three-quarter moon.

Waning crescent moon.

International Observe the Moon Night

“International Observe the Moon Night (InOMN) is an annual worldwide public event that encourages observation, appreciation, and understanding of our Moon and its connection to NASA planetary science and exploration. Everyone on Earth is invited to join the celebration by hosting or attending an InOMN event — and uniting on one day each year to look at and learn about the Moon together.”.